Page 39 of Exposé

I laughed harder, shaking my head as my cheeks flushed. "Oh God no. That's all you're gonna get outta me."

The water turned on in the bathroom without an awful squeak, then shut off. Nate stepped out of the bathroom, wiping his hands on the rag. "For now, right?" He tipped his head to the side with his panty-melting smile. "I mean, I did fix the sink for you."

"And you're going to paymein breakfast, remember?"

He chortled, and I flipped my hair off my shoulders.

God, those dimples.

"Okay, okay." He dipped back into the bathroom and, a few seconds later, walked out with his bag in hand. "You know that Mom and Pop diner near the coffee joint we bumped into each other at?"

I nodded. "Deeno's?"

He snapped his fingers and grinned. "That's the one. Meet me there tomorrow at nine unless you want me to pick you up?"

Heat swirled in my belly and warmed my cheeks. "I can walk. Maybe next time."

"Next time…already?" Nate bit his lower lip, his eyes hooded as he glanced at me, his index finger rubbing his chin. "I like the sound of that."

My feet itched to move closer, to rub my palm against the coarse hairs along his jaw and lean into his strong muscles. Yet I didn't budge, my hand braced on the table.

His gaze darted down to my screen. "Is Kane Rogers your needle in a haystack?"

I sobered and pressed my computer lid closed as I cleared my throat. "You shouldn't have seen that."

"Sorry.” He shrugged. “I'm naturally curious."

"It was my fault. I'm not used to people being in my apartment."

He gave a slight nod. "I'll get out of your way so you can work."

"No, that's not—"

"I know it wasn't." He moved around me, his arm brushed against my shoulder, leaving me with the musky scent of his cologne in his wake. "It's getting late, and I need my beauty sleep for this amazing date I have in the morning."

I let out a sarcastic huff. "Don't get your hopes up, buddy. I'm sure she's boring."

"I don't know about that." He placed his hand on the door. "She seems pretty amazing so far."

Fuck. I'm doomed.

"Lock this door." He shot me his signature smile and then pointed at me. "And don't forget tomorrow, I'd hate to have to retract my statement."

"I won't forget."

He winked and then shut the door behind him.

My feet worked a little dance as I spun in circles, my arms moving up and down. I squealed, my fists clenched tight, then moved towards the door and locked it.

Aria's never going to believe this.

8

Nate

My footsteps echoed through the basic agency-issued apartment as I snagged my third beer.

"Thanks, Becca." Ava's voice broke through the speakers, causing me to turn back to my computer, beer in hand.

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